Ricky Gervais Joins ‘The Muppets 2’

Comedian Ricky Gervais is in negotiations to star in The Muppets 2 as the lead human character. No details were given for the role, although it is being compared to Jason Segel's part in The Muppets. It isn't known if the actor will be required to sing any musical numbers in this follow-up.

We reported earlier this month that Modern Family star Ty Burrell replaced Christoph Waltz as a lazy Interpol inspector. The other main human role of a Russian femme fatale has not been cast at this time. The sequel takes Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy, and the rest of the Muppets to Europe, although specific plot details have not been revealed.

James Bobin is directing from a screenplay he co-wrote with Nick Stoller. David Hoberman and Todd Lieberman are attached to produce.

Production will begin sometime this winter in London. If a deal is finalized, this will be Ricky Gervais first lead role in a comedy since 2009's The Invention of Lying.